How intense pulsed light can treat dry eyes

In our eyes, tears aren’t just for moments of strong emotions, but to keep the eyes lubricated so that they can move around in the socket and be protected from dust and debris. Some people suffer from constantly dry eyes, which causes discomfort and even vision problems. In this article, a consultant ophthalmologist discusses how dry eyes can be treated with intense pulsed light therapy, and how it works.

What are dry eyes?

Dry eye syndrome (DES) tends to be more prominent in people over the age of 50, but it can also occur in individuals who are younger and wear contact lenses frequently, have a lot of computer screen time, or live in windy, cold, dry or dusty environments. Dry eyes occur when the tear film is damaged or dysfunctional.

Patients with dry eyes may be struggling with their eyes feeling like they are:

• Itchy
• Sore
• Sandy or gritty

Their eyes may look red, and they may have blurry vision or light sensitivity.

What causes dry eyes?

The tear film sits on the surface of the eyes and is made of layers of oils, watery liquid, and mucus. The tear film can become dysfunctional due to hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, prolonged use of certain medications, inflammatory infections of the eyelid glands, or allergies, leading to either a lower production of tears or a higher rate of tear evaporation.

However, most cases of DES are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands are the producers of oil that sit along the upper and lower eyelids. They can become blocked, due to thick secretions that build up due to not being cleaned effectively or due to remnants of debris (for example, from the overuse of eyeliner in the waterline).

How can intense pulsed light help with dry eyes?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a short, pain-free procedure that relieves dryness from the eyes by melting the thick oil buildup which allows the glands to return to normal function.

A hand-held machine that pulses with light is brought up to the areas around the eyes, delivering bursts of heat that stimulate the meibomian glands and encourage them to open up while also killing harmful bacteria. It shouldn’t be painful, but patients may feel a sensation similar to a strong pinch or finger flick against the skin where the light is being focused with each pulse.

However, IPL is not suitable for all patients with dry eyes, such as those with moles, tattoos, or skin tumours around the eyes.

IPL therapy may require multiple sessions over a month or so, and in the erstwhile patients may manage dryness with eye drops.

If you are suffering from dry eyes and would like to explore treatment, you can consult with a specialist on Top Doctors.